Los Angeles

A trio of beach communities, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice provide three very different introductions to Los Angeles. The farthest north, Malibu is famous for the celebrity mansions that perch along the Pacific Coast Highway. In Santa Monica, the main attractions are the pedestrians-only Third Street Promenade, lined with familiar national brands as well as local alternatives, and the historic Santa Monica Pier. The third must-see beachfront community is Venice, known for Muscle Beach and for the street musicians and artists selling their crafts along Ocean Front Walk.

Downtown LA is the bustling commercial heart of the city, and it is currently undergoing a cultural renaissance. The centerpiece is the Frank Gehry–designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. And no trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a visit to the West Coast's most famous and photogenic museum, the Getty Center.

Beverly Hills requires little introduction. Not only does it have some of Los Angeles’ swankiest lodging options, but its Rodeo Drive is arguably America's most famous shopping street. Hollywood Boulevard creates a fun stroll over the Walk of Fame, where the names of your favorite silver-screen legends live. Nearby, the Hollywood & Highland Center houses the Kodak Theatre, which has hosted the Academy Award ceremonies since 2001.

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